JP2009126660A - Article management system and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an article management system and information processing apparatus capable of precisely investigating consumers' attention to articles such as commercial products and samples displayed on shelves and tables. <P>SOLUTION: This article management system is provided with an article placement position storing means for associating article identifying information on a plurality of articles placed on a placement part with article position information indicating positions on which the articles are placed and storing the information; a target detecting means for detecting a target approaching to the articles placed on the placement part or the positions where the articles are placed and measuring and outputting target position information indicating the position of the target; and an article identifying means for determining the article position information including the target position information output by the target detecting means and identifying the article identifying information stored while associated with the determined article position information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an article management system and an information processing apparatus for managing articles such as merchandise and samples displayed and stored on shelves and stands.

In recent years, in retail stores, etc., product sales competition with other stores has intensified, and in order to differentiate from other stores, it is important in marketing to investigate and grasp the products that customers are paying attention to It is an element. For example, it is also important to investigate the consumer's attention to the products displayed in the store, and to investigate the effect of the shelf layout, which is the product layout of the product display shelf on which the products are displayed. .

Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for measuring the degree of attention of a consumer using a merchandise display shelf, a showcase, or the like as a measurement target.
JP 10-048008 A.

  In Patent Document 1, a television camera is installed on a ceiling, a wall, or the like around a product to be surveyed to capture an image of the consumer, and the degree of attention of the consumer to the displayed product is obtained. However, the technique using such an image has a narrow measurement range. In addition, it is susceptible to optical influences such as lighting and shadows on shelves and pillars, and has problems such as installation on the ceiling and walls, removal work, maintenance, and limited installation location. Yes.

  In addition, if the consumer's stay in the measurement range in the store exceeds a certain time, it is determined that the consumer has focused on the product on the display shelf that exists in the measurement range. If there is only one type of displayed product, the degree of attention can be measured. However, in actual stores, a plurality of types of products are displayed little by little on the product display shelf. With technology, it is not possible to identify and aggregate the products that consumers have focused on more accurately.

  In fact, if the product is a product purchased by a consumer, it is possible to investigate the product that the consumer has paid attention to at the present time by analyzing the product sales data managed by a POS (Point Of Sales) system. However, the consumer picked up the product from the product display shelf once, but returned it to the display shelf again, and contrasted the number of products sold with the number of times the consumer actually reached out and picked up the product. Information that cannot be analyzed from POS system product sales data, etc., but consumers are paying attention, but it does not lead to purchase, or the sales strategy of stores as information on products whose sales volume does not increase for the degree of attention Is important information.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an article management system and an information processing apparatus capable of investigating in detail a consumer's attention to an article such as a product or a sample displayed on a shelf or a stand. And

  In order to achieve the above-described object, in the article management system of the present invention, article identification information of a plurality of articles placed on the placement unit and article position information indicating positions where the articles are placed are stored in association with each other. The article placement position storage means and the article placed on the placement section or the object approaching the position where the article is placed are detected, and the object position information indicating the position of the object is measured and output. Object detection means and article specification means for determining article position information including the object position information output by the object detection means, and specifying article identification information stored in association with the determined article position information It is provided as a configuration of the invention.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the goods management system and information processing apparatus which investigate a consumer's attention degree with respect to articles, such as goods and a sample displayed on a shelf or a stand, in detail.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an article management system 80 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The article management system 80 includes a sensor unit 20 (object detection means) and a system management unit 40 (information processing device).

  The sensor unit 20 includes, for example, a sensor unit 20a, a sensor unit 20b, and a sensor unit 20c that are installed for each shelf of the product display shelf 1 (placement unit) in the store, and the product 2 ( If the object 3 approaching the article) or the article display place 8 (article placement area) is detected, the distance from each sensor unit to the object 3 is measured, and the system is used as position data (object position information) of the object 3 It transmits to the management part 40. Since the sensor unit 20a, the sensor unit 20b, and the sensor unit 20c have the same function with the same hardware configuration, the sensor unit 20b will be described as the object detection unit in the first embodiment.

  As a method for the sensor unit 20b to measure the distance to the object 3, for example, the projection light 30 made of infrared laser light as infrared light having a wavelength of about 0.7 μm to 0.1 mm is applied to the object 3 from the sensor unit 20b. The reflected light 31 projected and reflected by the object 3 is detected by the sensor unit 20b, and the distance to the object 3 is measured based on the time difference between the time for projecting the projection light 30 and the time for detecting the reflected light 31. There is a way.

  In this embodiment, although the sensor part 20b measures the distance to the target object 3 with the projection light 30 which consists of infrared laser light, the method by which the sensor part 20b measures distance is not limited to this, For example, The ultrasonic wave which is a sound wave having a frequency of about 20 kHz or more is projected, the reflected wave is detected, and the distance from the time when the ultrasonic wave is projected and the time when the reflected wave is detected in the same manner as the infrared laser light to the object 3 May be measured.

  As the object 3 to be detected, a store clerk, a customer's hand, arm, or product may be considered. In the future, a robot arm such as a service robot that provides a shopping support service in a store can be considered.

  The system management unit 40 is connected to the sensor unit 20 including the sensor unit 20a, the sensor unit 20b, and the sensor unit 20c through a communication line 60 such as a LAN or a dedicated line, and the position of the object 3 transmitted and output by each sensor unit. Data is received and processing is performed based on the received position data.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the article management system 80. The sensor unit 20b includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 21 that is a control unit that controls each hardware of the sensor unit 20b, and a light emitting unit 22 (projection unit) that emits projection light 30 for detecting the object 3. A light receiving unit 23 (detection unit) that detects reflected light 31 from the object 3, a timer unit 26, a storage unit 27 such as a hard disk or a memory, a communication unit 28 that transmits and receives data to and from the system management unit 40, and a power supply unit 29 etc. The function of each part will be described later.

  The system management unit 41 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 41 that is a control unit that controls each hardware of the system management unit 41, an input unit 42 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a display device such as a liquid crystal display and an organic EL display. And an output unit 43 such as a printer, a storage unit 44 such as a hard disk or a memory, a timer unit 45, a communication unit 46 that transmits / receives data to / from the sensor unit 20 and other systems, a power supply unit 47, and the like. The storage unit 44 includes a position data table 100, an effective area table 110, a shelf allocation table 120, a position specifying table 130, and an article specifying table 140.

  The sensor unit 20 that functions as an object detection stage of the article management system 80 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the sensor unit 20b. The sensor unit 20b includes a light emitting unit 22 (projection unit), a light receiving unit 23 (detection unit), a housing 32, a sensor control unit 36, and the like. The housing 32 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape, and is provided with an annular transparent window 34 opened 180 degrees along the circumferential direction. The light emitting unit 22 is configured by a light source such as an infrared laser or an LED, for example, and the light receiving unit 23 is configured by an optical sensor such as a photodiode, for example.

  The sensor control unit 36 functions as an object position calculation unit. The sensor control unit 36 includes an MPU 21, a timer 26, a storage unit 27, a communication unit 28, a power supply unit 29, and the like, performs light emission control of the light emitting unit 22, and measures the distance between the sensor unit 20 b and the object 3. calculate.

  As a method for calculating the distance between the projection light 30 and the reflected light 31, for example, infrared laser light emitted from the light emitting unit 22 is emitted as short pulsed projection light 30, the reflected light 31 is detected by the light receiving unit 23, and the projection light is emitted. A method for obtaining a distance from the time difference between the time when the light is emitted 30 and the time when the reflected light 31 is detected, the round-trip time from the time when the light is emitted to the detection, and the speed of the reference projection light 30 and the reflected light 31; A method is conceivable in which the infrared laser light emitted from is modulated with a sine wave having a constant frequency and the distance is obtained from the phase difference between the projection light 30 and the reflected light 31. In the method of obtaining the distance from the phase difference, it is not possible to measure the distance at which a phase difference of one cycle or more occurs, so it is necessary to determine the frequency to be modulated from a predetermined detection region. In the present embodiment, the sensor unit 20b measures the distance to the object 3 with the projection light 30 made of infrared laser light. However, as with the infrared laser light, the sensor unit 20b projects an ultrasonic wave and detects the reflected wave to detect the distance. You may measure the distance to the target object 3 from the time which projected the sound wave and the time which detected the reflected wave.

  From the time difference between the time when the light emitting unit 22 emits the projection light 30 and the time when the light receiving unit 23 detects the reflected light 31, the sensor control unit 36 uses the above-described method to move from the sensor unit 20 b to the object 3. The position data composed of the calculated distance data and the sensor identification data for identifying the sensor unit 20b is transmitted to the system management unit 40. When receiving the position data from the sensor unit 20b, the system management unit 40 determines from which sensor unit (20a, 20b, or 20c) the position data is transmitted, and acquires the position information of the object 3.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the sensor unit 20 including the sensor unit 20a, the sensor unit 20b, and the sensor unit 20c is installed on the commodity display shelf 1 (mounting unit). Each sensor unit detects an object 3 approaching the product 2 (article) displayed on the product display shelf 1 or the product display place 8 (article placement area) of the product 2. The sensor part 20 is installed in the side part of the shelf periphery part 5 by the side of the shelf front 4 in which the goods insertion / extraction area | region 6 (opening part) opened of the goods display shelf 1 exists, for example.

  A detection region 7a, a detection region 7b, and a detection region 7c that serve as a reference for detecting the object 3 by the projection light 30 having a width emitted in the lateral direction from the sensor unit 20a, the sensor unit 20b, and the sensor unit 20c. Is formed so as to cover the front surface of the product insertion / removal region 6 in a band shape.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the product display shelf 1 is divided into blocks 10 from A1 to A12 according to the product display location 8 of the product 2. The area of each block 10 of A1 to A12 is determined according to the size of the commodity display place 8. In the present embodiment, each of the blocks A1 to A12 has the same size and is 50 cm in length and 80 cm in width, but is not limited to this size, and is matched to the size of the product display place 8. The size may be different for each block. In the present embodiment, the size of the commodity display shelf 1 is 0 cm to 320 cm in the X-axis direction when a line connecting positions where the sensor unit 20a, the sensor unit 20b, and the sensor unit 20c are installed is a reference line 11. Become.

  The detection region 7a, the detection region 7b, or the detection region 7c by the projection light 30 emitted from the sensor unit 20a, the sensor unit 20b, or the sensor unit 20c is formed so as to cover the product insertion / removal region 6 of the product display shelf 1 in a band shape. Therefore, not only the product 2 displayed on the product display shelf 1 or the object 3 approaching the product display place 8 but also the detection target such as the pillar 9 and the wall in the store where the product display shelf 1 is installed. It is also possible to detect a moving background such as a fixed background object or a store clerk or customer located next to the merchandise display shelf 1 or equipment such as a cart.

  In order to capture the information of the product that the consumer is paying attention to more accurately, it is necessary to exclude the position data of these background objects from the detection target. In order to exclude the position data of the background object, the system management unit 40 according to the present embodiment displays the product display from the A1 block to the A12 block of the product display shelf 1 among the detection region 7a, the detection region 7b, and the detection region 7c. The detection area corresponding to the place 8 is defined as the upper limit value of the effective detection area, and the background object detected outside the effective detection area 12a, the effective detection area 12b, and the effective detection area 12c. The effective information extraction process is performed to exclude the position data.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the position data table 100 stored in the storage unit 44 of the system management unit 40. The position data table 100 is provided with an X-axis distance area 102 and a detection target area 103 in association with the sensor identification data area 101. Position data consisting of sensor identification data for identifying each sensor unit transmitted from the sensor unit 20a, sensor unit 20b, and sensor unit 20c and distance data in the X-axis direction are represented by a sensor identification data area 101 and an X-axis distance area, respectively. 102. The detection target area 103 stores “1” in the case of position data to be detected determined by the valid information extraction process, and stores “0” in the case of position data not to be detected. It is possible to determine whether or not to be a detection target based on the data in the detection target area 103.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the effective area table 110 stored in the storage unit 44 of the system management unit 40. The effective area table 110 functions as an effective area storage unit, and is effective detection among the detection areas 7 (the detection area 7a, the detection area 7b, and the detection area 7c) formed by the sensor unit 20a, the sensor unit 20b, and the sensor unit 20c. The upper limit value of the size of the effective detection area 12 (effective detection area 12a, effective detection area 12b, and effective detection area 12c) is stored. In association with the sensor identification data area 111, an upper limit area 112 for storing the upper limit value (area information) of the effective detection area for each sensor unit is provided. In the present embodiment, 320 cm is stored in upper limit area 112 as the upper limit. The position data exceeding the upper limit value is valid information as position data of a background object that is not detected and is calculated by reflection of a background object that exists outside the effective detection area 12a, the effective detection area 12b, and the effective detection area 12c. It is extracted and excluded from detection targets.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the shelf allocation table 120 stored in the storage unit 44 of the system management unit 40. The shelf allocation table 120 functions as an article placement position storage unit. In association with the block area 121, a sensor identification data area 122 that stores identification data of a sensor unit that detects a range in which each of the blocks A1 to A12 of the commodity display shelf 1 is located, and a range area 123 that stores range data of each block An identification data area 124 for storing product identification data (article identification information) of the product 2 (article) displayed in each block is provided. The range data stored in the range area 123 is based on the X-axis direction where each block is located, with the line connecting the positions where the sensor unit 20a, the sensor unit 20b, and the sensor unit 20c of the product display shelf 1 are installed as the reference line 11. Data indicating the range. The sensor identification data in the sensor identification data area 122 and the range data in the range area 123 function as article position information.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the position specifying table 130 stored in the storage unit 44 of the system management unit 40. In association with the block area 131, a Tm area 132, a Tm-1 area 133, and a Tm-2 area 134 for storing the detection results of the object 3 in the effective detection area 12 corresponding to the blocks A1 to A12 of the merchandise display shelf 1 are stored. , Tm-3 area 135, Tm-4 area 136... Tm-99 area 137 are provided in this order.

  In the Tm area 132 to the Tm-99 area 137, “1” is stored when it is determined that the object 3 is detected in the effective detection area 12 corresponding to each block, and “0” is stored when it is determined that it is not detected. The detection result of the object 3 is stored in the Tm area 132 for each block based on the position data on which the valid information extraction processing has been performed. The detection results previously stored in the Tm area 132 are stored in the Tm-1 area 133, the detection results stored in the Tm-1 area 133 are stored in the Tm-2 area 134, and are stored in the Tm-2 area 134. The stored detection results are stored in the Tm-3 area 135, and the past detection results are sequentially moved and stored in the storage area. In the present embodiment, detection results can be stored 100 times. If the detection period of the sensor unit 20a, the sensor unit 20b, and the sensor unit 20c is 10 Hz, the detection results for the past 10 seconds can be stored by storing the detection results for 100 times.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the article identification table 140 stored in the storage unit 44 of the system management unit 40. In association with the block area 141, an identification data area 142 and a detection frequency area 143 are provided for each block A1 to A12 of the commodity display shelf 1. By referring to the article identification table 140, it is possible to grasp the blocks that the object 3 has approached, the products that are displayed there, and the number of times that they have approached.

  The processing of the article management system 80 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of processing executed by the MPU 41 that is a control unit of the system management unit 40 to specify the product 2 or the product display place 8 displayed on the product display shelf 1 to which the object 3 approaches. .

  The system management unit 40 sequentially receives and acquires one position data detected by the sensor unit 20a, the sensor unit 20b, and the sensor unit 20c from the sensor unit 20a, the sensor unit 20b, and the sensor unit 20c (step S1, target Object position acquisition means). The received position data is stored in the position data table 100 (step S2).

  In the present embodiment, each of the sensor unit 20a, the sensor unit 20b, and the sensor unit 20c calculates distance data of the object 3, and transmits position data composed of sensor identification data and distance data for identifying each sensor unit. To do. Based on the received position data, the sensor identification data of each sensor unit is stored in the sensor identification data area 101 of the position data table 100, and the distance data is associated with the sensor identification data stored in the sensor identification data area 101 in the X-axis. Store in the distance area 102.

  The distance data stored in the X-axis distance area 102 of the position data table 100 and the effective detection area 12 (effective detection area 12a, effective detection area 12b, stored in the upper limit area 112 of the effective area table 110 (effective area storage means), Effective information extraction processing is performed using the upper limit data (region information) of the effective detection region 12c) (step S3).

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of valid information extraction processing executed by the MPU 41 which is the control unit of the system management unit 40. The effective information extraction process functions as effective information extraction means.

  Effective detection of each sensor unit in which the distance data detected by the sensor unit 20a, the sensor unit 20b, or the sensor unit 20c stored in the X-axis distance area 102 of the position data table 100 is stored in the upper limit value area 112 of the effective region table 110 It is compared with the upper limit value data of the area 12 (effective detection area 12a, effective detection area 12b, effective detection area 12c) (step S31).

  The distance data stored in the X-axis distance area 102 of the position data table 100 is the effective detection area 12 (effective detection area 12a, effective detection area 12b, effective detection) of each sensor unit stored in the upper limit value area 112 of the effective area table 110. It is determined whether it is within the upper limit value data in the area 12c) (step S32). If the distance data is not within the upper limit data (NO in step S32), the object 3 is detected outside the valid detection area 12 of the commodity display shelf 1, and the detection target area 103 of the position data table 100 is detected. “0” is stored in (step S41), and the valid information extraction process is terminated.

  If the distance data is within the upper limit value data (YES in step S32), the object 3 is detected within the effective detection area 12 of the commodity display shelf 1, and the detection target area of the position data table 100 is detected. “1” is stored in 103 (step S33), and the valid information extraction process is terminated.

  In the effective information extraction process, the position where the object 3 is detected is the effective detection region 12 (effective detection region 12a, effective detection region 12b, effective detection region) of each sensor unit (sensor unit 20a, sensor unit 20b, sensor unit 20c). 12c) It is judged whether it is within. This is because the position is specified by using only the product 2 displayed on the product display shelf 1 or the object 3 approaching the product display place 8 as a detection target. Background that is not necessary for counting up as objects that are close to the product, such as salesclerks and customers moving around the product display shelf 1, columns, walls, equipment, etc. The position data of the object can be excluded from the detection result.

  Next, position specifying processing is performed using the position data table 100 and the shelf allocation table 120 (step S5).

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of the position specifying process executed by the MPU 41 which is the control unit of the system management unit 40.

  Of the position data stored in the position data table 100, the position data having “1” stored in the detection target area 103 is extracted as the position data of the object 3 to be detected (step S51).

  From the sensor identification data stored in the sensor identification area 101 of the extracted position data and the distance data stored in the X-axis distance area 102, the sensor identification data in the sensor identification area 122 of the shelf allocation table 120, and the A1 stored in the range area 123 The range data indicating the range where each block of A12 is located is compared (step S53).

  Whether the block that stores the range data including the distance data in the range area 123 matches the sensor identification data of the extracted position data and the sensor identification data stored in the sensor identification data area 122 is stored in the shelf allocation table 120 Judgment is made (step S55). If there is no corresponding block 10 in the shelf allocation table 120 (NO in step S55), “0” is stored as the detection result in the Tm area 132 of all the blocks in the position specifying table 130 (step S61), and the position specifying process is performed. Exit.

  If there is a corresponding block in the shelf allocation table 120 (YES in step S55), the corresponding block is extracted (step S57), and “1” is detected as the detection result in the Tm area 132 of the corresponding block in the position specifying table 130. Store “0” as the detection result in the Tm area 132 of the non-applicable block (step S59).

  At this time, the detection result previously stored in the Tm area 132 is stored in the Tm-1 area 133, the detection result stored in the Tm-1 area 133 is stored in the Tm-2 area 134, and Tm-2 The detection results stored in the area 134 are stored in the Tm-3 area 135, the detection results stored in the Tm-3 area 135 are stored in the Tm-4 area 136, and so on. The storage area is sequentially moved and stored. The detection result of the object 3 is stored for each block A1 to A12 in the position specifying table 130, and the position specifying process is terminated.

  Next, an article specifying process is performed using the position specifying table 130 and the shelf allocation table 120 that store the detection results (step S7).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of the article specifying process executed by the MPU 41 that is the control unit of the system management unit 40. The article specifying process functions as an article specifying means.

  Using the detection results of the objects 3 by blocks A1 to A12 stored in the Tm area 132 of the position specifying table 130 and the product identification data stored in the identification data area 124 of the shelf allocation table 120, the object A product 2 to be displayed at a position close to 3 is specified.

  First, among the detection results stored in the Tm area 132 of the position specifying table 130, the object 3 is detected within the effective detection area 12 (the effective detection area 12a, the effective detection area 12b, and the effective detection area 12c). Is stored (step S71).

  It is determined whether the same block as the extracted block is stored in the block area 141 of the article identification table 140 (step S73). If the same block is stored in the block area 141 of the article identification table 140 (NO in step S73), “1” is added to the count in the detection count area 143 of the corresponding block in the article identification table 140 (step S79). ), And ends the article specifying process.

  If the same block is not stored in the block area 141 of the article specifying table 140 (YES in step S73), the block is stored in the block area 141 of the article specifying table 140 (step S75).

  Product identification data associated with the same block as the block stored in the block area 141 of the article identification table 140 is selected from the identification data area 123 of the shelf allocation table 120 and stored in the identification data area 142 of the article identification table 140 (step) S77).

  “1” is added to the count in the detection count area 143 of the corresponding block of the article specifying table 140 (step S79), and the article specifying process is terminated.

  By the article specifying process, block data stored in the block area 141 of the article specifying table 140, product identification data stored in the identification data area 142, and detection count data stored in the detection count area 143 are stored in association with each other. The block data stored in the block area 141 of the article specifying table 140 is a block detected by the effective detection area 12 when the object 3 approaches, and the product identification stored in the identification data area 142 associated with the block data. By referring to the data, it is possible to specify the product identification data of the product 2 to which the object 3 approaches. Furthermore, by referring to the detection frequency data stored in the detection frequency area 143 associated with the block data, it is possible to add up the detection frequency of the product 2 that the object 3 approaches.

  In the present embodiment, the product 2 displayed on the product display shelf 1 or the object 3 such as the hand or arm of the consumer approaching the product display place 8 is detected for each product, thereby determining whether or not the consumer has purchased. Regardless, it is possible to investigate the product that the consumer has selected and picked up from the product display shelf. Therefore, it becomes possible to investigate in detail the product that the consumer is paying attention to by product. Further, by implementing the present invention before and after the change of the shelf layout of the product display shelf, it is possible to investigate in detail the quality of the shelf layout of the product display shelf by product.

  In addition, since infrared laser light is used as the light source of the sensor unit 20 that is the object detection means, the measurement range is wide, and the influence of optical conditions such as lighting in stores and warehouses can be minimized. In addition, it is possible to install and maintain the system relatively easily even in a 24-hour store or the like where the system configuration is simple and customers are coming and going.

Moreover, the detection area (effective detection area 12) which detects the target object 3 is installed on the opening side by installing the sensor unit 20 on the opening side on the shelf front surface 4 side where the commodity taking-in / out area 6 of the commodity display shelf 1 is present. It can be formed. Therefore, when the consumer picks up the product, the product 3 is detected as the object 3 so that the product that the consumer is paying attention to can be investigated more accurately.

  Further, by installing the sensor unit 20 for each of the plurality of shelves of the product display shelf 1, it is possible to accurately detect even when a plurality of consumers approach the product 2 displayed on different shelves.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to an article management system that manages articles such as merchandise and sample goods in a store such as a retail store, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may be applied to an article management system for managing articles such as parts and members in a warehouse.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a vertical product display shelf in which shelves for displaying products are arranged up and down. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a flat table that divides and displays a plurality of products approximately horizontally. The present invention may be applied to a product display stand such as a car or a wagon.

  In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements over different embodiments may be combined.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. A description common to the first embodiment is omitted.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of an article management system 80 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The article management system 80 includes a sensor unit 220 (object detection means) and a system management unit 40 (information processing apparatus).

  The sensor unit 220 is installed on, for example, a merchandise display shelf 1 (placement unit) in a store, and is close to a product 2 (article) or a merchandise display place 8 (article placement area) displayed on the merchandise display shelf 1. When 3 is detected, the distance from the sensor unit 220 to the object 3 is measured, and the measured distance data is transmitted to the system management unit 40 as position data (object position information) of the object 3.

  As a method for the sensor unit 220 to measure the distance to the object 3, for example, the projection light 230 composed of infrared laser light as infrared rays having a wavelength of about 0.7 μm to 0.1 mm is projected from the sensor unit 220 to the object 3. Then, the reflected light 231 reflected by the object 3 is detected by the sensor unit 220, and the distance to the object 3 is measured based on the time difference between the time for projecting the projection light 230 and the time for detecting the reflected light 231. There is.

  In the present embodiment, the sensor unit 220 measures the distance to the object 3 by the projection light 230 made of infrared laser light, but the method by which the sensor unit 220 measures the distance is not limited to this, For example, an ultrasonic wave that is a sound wave having a frequency of about 20 kHz or more is projected, its reflected wave is detected, and the time from when the ultrasonic wave is projected and the time when the reflected wave is detected in the same manner as the infrared laser light to the object 3. The distance may be measured.

  The system management unit 40 is connected to the sensor unit 220 via a communication line 60 such as a LAN or a dedicated line, receives the position data of the object 3 transmitted and output by the sensor unit 220, and performs processing based on the received position data. .

 FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the article management system 80 according to the present embodiment. The sensor unit 220 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 221 that is a control unit that controls each hardware of the sensor unit 220, and a light emitting unit 222 (projection unit) that emits projection light 230 for detecting the target 3. A light receiving unit 223 (detection unit) that detects reflected light 231 from the object 3, an angle detection unit 224, a motor unit 225, a timer unit 226, a storage unit 227 such as a hard disk or memory, and data transmission / reception with the system management unit 40. The communication unit 228 that performs the above and the power supply unit 229 and the like. The function of each part will be described later.

  The system management unit 41 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 41 that is a control unit that controls each hardware of the system management unit 41, an input unit 42 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a display device such as a liquid crystal display and an organic EL display. And an output unit 43 such as a printer, a storage unit 44 such as a hard disk or a memory, a timer unit 45, a sensor unit 220, a communication unit 46 that transmits / receives data to / from other systems, a power source unit 47, and the like. The storage unit 44 includes a position data table 300, an effective area table 310, a shelf allocation table 320, a position specifying table 330, and an article specifying table 340.

  A sensor unit 220 that functions as an object detection unit of the article management system 80 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the sensor unit 220. The sensor unit 220 includes a housing 232, a rotating body 233, an angle detection unit 224, a sensor control unit 236, and the like. The housing 232 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape, and is provided with an annular transparent window 234 that is opened 180 degrees along the circumferential direction. The rotating body 233 includes a light emitting unit 222 (projecting unit), a light receiving unit 223 (detecting unit), a motor unit 225, a light projecting / receiving mirror 235, and the like. The light emitting unit 222 is configured by (projection unit), for example, a light source such as an infrared laser or LED, and the light receiving unit 223 is configured by (detection unit), for example, an optical sensor such as a photodiode. The motor unit 225 is configured by, for example, a brushless DC motor.

  The light projecting / receiving mirror 235 has a function of reflecting the projection light 230 emitted from the light emitting unit 222 in a predetermined direction and reflecting the reflected light 231 reflected by the object 3 in the direction of the light receiving unit 223. The light projecting / receiving mirror 235 rotates together with the rotating body 233 at, for example, 10 Hz, and the projection light 230 emitted from the light emitting unit 222 is opened around the sensor unit 220 via the light projecting / receiving mirror 235, for example, 180 degrees. It is projected within a range of 180 degrees along the transparent window, and the periphery of the sensor unit 220 can be scanned two-dimensionally. The angle detection unit 224 includes, for example, a photo interrupter or a magnetic sensor, and detects and outputs the rotation angle of the rotating body 233.

  The sensor control unit 236 functions as an object position calculation unit. The MPU 221, the timer 226, the storage unit 227, the communication unit 228, the power supply unit 229, and the like control the rotation of the motor unit 225, and determine the angle θ of the rotating rotating body 233 according to the signal output from the angle detection unit 224. measure. The angle reference line of the angle θ of the rotating body 233 for obtaining the angle can be arbitrarily set. For example, it has an angle detection resolution of 1 degree, and can measure and output the angle θ of the rotating body 233 every 1 degree from an arbitrary angle reference line.

  The sensor control unit 236 controls light emission of the light emitting unit 222 while controlling the motor unit 225 and rotating the rotating body 233. The projection light 230 emitted from the light emitting unit 222 is projected through the light projecting / receiving mirror 235 and the transparent window 234, and scans around the sensor unit 220 at 10 Hz, for example. When the object 3 is present in the area to be scanned, the reflected light 231 is emitted from the object 3, and the reflected light 231 is detected by the light receiving unit 223 via the transparent window 234 and the light projecting / receiving mirror 235.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the sensor control unit 236 performs a time difference between the time at which the light emitting unit 222 emits the projection light 230 and the time at which the light receiving unit 223 detects the reflected light 231, and the reciprocation from the generation to the detection. The distance r from the sensor unit 220 to the object 3 is calculated from the time and the reference projection light 30 and the reflected light 31, and the calculated distance r and the angle θ output from the angle detection unit 224 are configured. The position data to be transmitted is transmitted to the system management unit 40. In the present embodiment, the sensor unit 220 measures the distance to the object 3 with the projection light 30 made of infrared laser light. However, similarly to the infrared laser light, the sensor unit 220 projects an ultrasonic wave and detects the reflected wave to detect the distance. You may measure the distance to the target object 3 from the time which projected the sound wave and the time which detected the reflected wave.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the sensor unit 220 is installed on the commodity display shelf 1. The sensor unit 220 detects the product 2 (article) displayed on the product display shelf 1 or the object 3 approaching the product display place 8 (article placement area) of the product 2. The sensor unit 220 is installed, for example, in the approximate center of the upper portion of the shelf peripheral portion 5 on the shelf front surface 4 side where the product insertion / extraction region 6 (opening portion) of the product display shelf 1 is present. A detection region 207 serving as a reference for detecting the object 3 is formed on the front surface of the product in / out region 6 so as to cover the product in / out region 6 by the projection light 230 emitted downward from the sensor unit 220 within a range of 180 degrees. Is done.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state in which the sensor unit 220 is installed at the approximate center of the lower portion of the shelf peripheral portion 5 on the shelf front surface 4 side where the product insertion / extraction region 6 (opening portion) of the product display shelf 1 is present. is there. A detection region 207 serving as a reference for detecting the object 3 is formed on the front surface of the product in / out region 6 so as to cover the product in / out region 6 by the projection light 230 emitted upward from the sensor unit 220 within a range of 180 degrees. Is done. The installation location of the sensor unit 220 need not be limited to the upper or lower portion of the shelf peripheral portion 5 as long as the product 2 or the object 3 approaching the product display location 8 of the product 2 can be detected. You may install in the right and left side part of the part 5. FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the commodity display shelf 1 in which the sensor unit 220 is installed is viewed from the shelf front surface 4 side. The projection light 230 is projected downward from the sensor unit 220 installed at the approximate center of the shelf peripheral part 5 of the commodity display shelf 1 within a range of 180 degrees around the sensor unit 220.

  As described above, the projection light 230 projected from the sensor unit 220 rotates and scans around the sensor unit 220 with a period of, for example, 10 Hz, so that the detection region covers the product insertion / removal region 6 of the product display shelf 1. 207 is formed. When the object 3 comes into contact with the detection area 207, the projection light 230 projected from the sensor unit 220 is reflected by the object 3, and the reflected light 231 can be detected by the sensor unit 220.

  As described above, the sensor control unit 236 calculates the distance r to the object 3, detects the angle θ, and sends position data composed of the distance r and the angle θ to the system management unit 40 for each scan. Send output.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a state in which the product display shelf 1 is divided into blocks 10 from A1 to A16 for each product display location 8 of the product 2. The area of each block 10 of A1 to A16 is determined according to the size of the commodity display place 8. In the present embodiment, each of the blocks A1 to A16 has the same size, 50 cm in length and 80 cm in width, but is not limited to this size, and is matched to the size of the product display place 8. The size may be different for each block. In the present embodiment, the size of the commodity display shelf 1 is 160 cm to −160 cm in the X-axis direction and 0 to 200 cm in the Y-axis direction when the position where the sensor unit 220 is installed is the reference point 211.

  Since the detection area 207 by the projection light 230 emitted from the sensor unit 220 is formed so as to cover the merchandise entry / exit area 6 of the merchandise display shelf 1, it approaches the merchandise 2 or the merchandise display place 8 displayed on the merchandise display rack 1. Not only the target object 3 to be detected, but also the fixed background object that should not be detected such as the floor 209 in the store where the product display shelf 1 is installed, the wall, or the pillar of the building, and the product display shelf 1 Moving background objects such as shop assistants, customers, and equipment such as carts are also detected.

  In order to capture the information of the product that the consumer is paying attention to more accurately, it is necessary to exclude the position data of these background objects from the detection target. In order to exclude the position data of the background object, the system management unit 40 according to the present embodiment detects a detection area corresponding to the commodity display place 8 from the A1 block to the A16 block of the commodity display shelf 1 in the detection area 207. An effective information extraction process is performed in which the upper limit value of the effective detection area is defined and the position data of the background object detected outside the effective detection area 212 which is the effective detection area is excluded.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the position data table 300 stored in the storage unit 44 of the system management unit 40. In the position data table 300, a distance area 302, an X-axis distance area 303, a Y-axis distance area 304, and a detection target area 305 are provided in association with the angle area 301. The position data composed of the angle θ and the distance r transmitted from the sensor unit 220 is stored in the angle area 301 and the distance data is stored in the distance area 302 in association with the angle data. In the X-axis distance area 303 and the Y-axis distance area 304, the distance data in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the object 3 are respectively obtained from the angle data stored in the angle area 301 and the distance data stored in the distance area 302. Distance data is calculated and stored. The detection target area 305 stores “1” in the case of position data to be detected by the valid information extraction process, and stores “0” in the case of position data not to be detected. It is possible to determine whether or not to be a detection target based on the data in the detection target area 305.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the effective area table 310 stored in the storage unit 44 of the system management unit 40. The effective area table 310 functions as an effective area storage unit, and stores an upper limit value of the size of the effective detection area 212 that is an effective area among the detection areas 207 formed by the sensor unit 220. In association with the direction area 311, an upper limit area 312 for storing an upper limit value (region information) in each direction is provided. In the present embodiment, with the position where the sensor unit 220 is installed as a reference point, 160 cm to −160 cm in the X-axis direction and 200 cm in the Y-axis direction are stored in the upper limit area 312 as the upper limit value in each direction. The position data exceeding the upper limit value is excluded from the detection target by performing effective information extraction processing as position data of the background object outside the detection target, which is calculated by reflecting the background object existing outside the effective detection region 212.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the shelf allocation table 320 stored in the storage unit 44 of the system management unit 40. The shelf allocation table 320 functions as an article placement position storage unit. In association with the block area 321, a range area 322 for storing range data (article position information) indicating a range in which each of the blocks A1 to A16 of the merchandise display shelf 1 is located, and the merchandise 2 (article) displayed in each block An identification data area 323 for storing product identification data (article identification information) is provided. The range data stored in the range area 322 is data indicating the ranges in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction where each block is located, with the position where the sensor unit 220 of the product display shelf 1 is installed as a reference point.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the position specifying table 330 stored in the storage unit 44 of the system management unit 40. In association with the block area 331, a Tm area 332, a Tm-1 area 333, and a Tm-2 area 334 that store the detection results of the object 3 in the effective detection area 212 corresponding to the blocks A1 to A16 of the merchandise display shelf 1 , Tm-3 area 335, Tm-4 area 336... Tm-99 area 337 are provided in this order.

  In the Tm area 332 to the Tm-99 area 337, “1” is stored when it is determined that the object 3 is detected in the effective detection area 212 corresponding to each block, and “0” is stored when it is determined that it is not detected. The detection result of the object 3 is stored in the Tm area 332 for each block based on the position data on which the effective information extraction processing has been performed. The detection results previously stored in the Tm area 332 are stored in the Tm-1 area 333, the detection results stored in the Tm-1 area 333 are stored in the Tm-2 area 334, and are stored in the Tm-2 area 334. The stored detection results are stored in the Tm-3 area 335, and the past detection results are stored by sequentially moving the storage area. In the present embodiment, detection results can be stored 100 times. If the scanning period of the sensor unit 220 is 10 Hz, it is possible to store the detection results for the past 10 seconds by storing the detection results for 100 times.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the configuration of the article identification table 340 stored in the storage unit 44 of the system management unit 40. In association with the block area 341, an identification data area 342 and a detection frequency area 343 are provided for each block A1 to A16 of the commodity display shelf 1. By referring to the article identification table 340, it is possible to grasp the blocks that the object 3 has approached, the products that are displayed there, and the number of times that they have approached.

  Processing of the article management system 80 will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 27 shows a product 2 (article) or a product display place 8 (article placement) displayed on the product display shelf 1 (placement section) to which the object 3 executed by the MPU 41 as the control unit of the system management unit 40 approaches. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the process which pinpoints (area | region).

  The system management unit 40 (information processing apparatus) receives and acquires one position data (object position information) scanned by the sensor unit 220 from the sensor unit 220 (object detection stage) (step S101, object position). Acquisition means). The received position data is stored in the position data table 300 (step S102).

  In the present embodiment, the sensor unit 220 calculates the position data every angle from 0 degrees to 180 degrees and transmits it collectively for 180 degrees that is one scan, so the received position data is 0 degrees. And stored in the position data table 300 in association with angles from 180 degrees. Effective information extraction processing is performed using the position data stored in the position data table 300 and the upper limit value (area information) of the effective detection area 212 stored in the effective area table 310 (effective area storage means) (step S103).

  FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of valid information extraction processing executed by the MPU 41 which is the control unit of the system management unit 40. The effective information extraction process functions as effective information extraction means.

  From the position data of the angle θ and the distance r stored in the position data table 300, the detected X-axis distance data rx that is the distance in the X-axis direction of the object 3 and the Y-axis distance data ry that is the distance in the Y-axis direction. Is calculated (step S131). X-axis distance data rx and Y-axis distance data ry can be calculated by the following equations.

  The calculated X-axis distance data rx is stored in the X-axis distance area 303 of the position data table 300, and the Y-axis distance data ry is stored in the Y-axis distance area 304 (step S132).

  Next, the X-axis distance data stored in the X-axis distance area 303 and the Y-axis distance data stored in the Y-axis distance area 304 are compared with the upper limit value of the effective detection area 212 stored in the effective area table 310 ( Step S133).

  It is determined whether the X-axis distance data and the Y-axis distance data, which are the positions where the object 3 is detected, are within the upper limit value of the effective detection area 212 stored in the effective area table 310 (step S135). When the X-axis distance data and the Y-axis distance data of the target object 3 are not within the upper limit values (NO in step S135), the target object 3 is detected outside the effective detection area 212 of the commodity display shelf 1. Then, “0” is stored in the detection target area 305 of the position data table 300 (step S141), and the valid information extraction process is terminated.

  If the X-axis distance data and the Y-axis distance data of the target object 3 are within the upper limit values (YES in step S135), the target object 3 has been detected within the range of the effective detection area 212 of the merchandise display shelf 1. Thus, “1” is stored in the detection target area 305 of the position data table 300 (step S137), and the valid information extraction process is terminated.

  In the valid information extraction process, it is determined whether the position where the object 3 is detected is within the valid detection area 212. This is because the position is specified using only the product 2 displayed on the product display shelf 1 or the object 3 approaching the product display place 8 as a detection target. Background information that is not necessary to be counted as objects approaching the product, such as shop assistants and customers moving around the product display shelf 1, floors and walls around the product display shelf 1, equipment, etc. Can be excluded from the detection result.

  Next, a position specifying process is performed using the position data table 300 and the shelf allocation table 320 (step S105).

  FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of the position specifying process executed by the MPU 41 which is the control unit of the system management unit 40.

  Of the position data stored in the position data table 300, the position data storing “1” in the detection target area 305 is extracted as the position data of the target object 3 to be detected (step S151).

  The X-axis distance data stored in the X-axis distance area 303 of the extracted position data, the Y-axis distance data stored in the Y-axis distance area 304, and the blocks A1 to A16 stored in the range area 322 of the shelf allocation table 320 are The range data defining the range to be positioned is compared (step S153).

  It is determined whether the range data block 10 including the extracted X-axis distance data and Y-axis distance data of the position data is stored in the shelf allocation table 320 (step S155). When there is no block 10 including position data (NO in step S155), “0” is stored as a detection result in the Tm area 332 of all blocks in the position specifying table 330 (step S161), and the position specifying process is ended. To do.

  If there is a block including position data (YES in step S155), the corresponding block is extracted (step S157), and “1” is stored as a detection result in the Tm area 332 of the corresponding block in the position specifying table 330. Then, “0” is stored as the detection result in the Tm area 332 of the non-applicable block (step S159).

  At this time, the detection result previously stored in the Tm area 332 is stored in the Tm-1 area 333, the detection result stored in the Tm-1 area 333 is stored in the Tm-2 area 334, and Tm-2 The detection results stored in the area 334 are stored in the Tm-3 area 335, the detection results stored in the Tm-3 area 335 are stored in the Tm-4 area 336, and so on. The storage area is sequentially moved and stored. The detection result of the object 3 is stored for each block of A1 to A16 in the position specifying table 330, and the position specifying process is terminated.

  Next, an article specifying process is performed using the position specifying table 330 and the shelf allocation table 320 that store the detection results (step S107).

  FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of the article specifying process executed by the MPU 41 that is the control unit of the system management unit 40. The article specifying process functions as an article specifying means.

  Using the detection results of the objects 3 by blocks A1 to A16 stored in the Tm area 332 of the position specification table 330 and the product identification data stored in the identification data area 323 of the shelf allocation table 320, the object A product 2 to be displayed at a position close to 3 is specified.

  First, out of the detection results stored in the Tm area 332 of the position specifying table 330, a block storing “1” in which the object 3 is detected within the effective detection area 212 is extracted (step S171).

  It is determined whether the same block as the extracted block is stored in the block area 341 of the article identification table 340 (step S173). When the same block is stored in the block area 341 of the article identification table 340 (NO in step S173), “1” is added to the count in the detection count area 343 of the corresponding block in the article identification table 340 (step S179). ), And ends the article specifying process.

  If the same block is not stored in the block area 341 of the article specifying table 340 (YES in step S173), the block is stored in the block area 341 of the article specifying table 340 (step S175).

  Product identification data associated with the same block as the block stored in the block area 341 of the article identification table 340 is selected from the identification data area 323 of the shelf allocation table 320 and stored in the identification data area 342 of the article identification table 340 (step). S177).

  “1” is added to the count in the number-of-detections area 343 of the corresponding block in the article identification table 340 (step S179), and the article identification process is terminated.

  By the article specifying process, block data stored in the block area 341 of the article specifying table 340, product identification data stored in the identification data area 342, and detection count data stored in the detection count area 343 are stored in association with each other. The block data stored in the block area 341 of the article identification table 340 is a block detected by the effective detection area 212 when the object 3 approaches, and the product identification stored in the identification data area 342 associated with the block data. By referring to the data, it is possible to specify the product identification data of the product 2 to which the object 3 approaches. Furthermore, by referring to the detection frequency data stored in the detection frequency area 343 associated with the block data, it is possible to add up the detection frequency of the product 2 that the object 3 approaches.

  In the present embodiment, the product 2 displayed on the product display shelf 1 or the object 3 such as the hand or arm of the consumer approaching the product display place 8 is detected for each product, thereby determining whether or not the consumer has purchased. Regardless, it is possible to investigate the product that the consumer has selected and picked up from the product display shelf. Therefore, it becomes possible to investigate in detail the product that the consumer is paying attention to by product. Further, by implementing the present invention before and after the change of the shelf layout of the product display shelf, it is possible to investigate in detail the quality of the shelf layout of the product display shelf by product.

  In addition, since infrared laser light is used as the light source of the sensor unit 220 as the object detection means, the measurement range is wide, and the influence of optical conditions such as lighting in stores and warehouses can be minimized. In addition, it is possible to install and maintain the system relatively easily even in a 24-hour store or the like where the system configuration is simple and customers are coming and going.

  In addition, the sensor unit 220 is provided on the opening side of the shelf front surface 4 side where the product loading / unloading region 6 of the product display shelf 1 exists, thereby forming a detection region (effective detection region 212) for detecting the object 3 on the opening side. This is possible. Therefore, when the consumer picks up the product, the product 3 is detected as the object 3 so that the product that the consumer is paying attention to can be investigated more accurately.

  Further, by providing the object detection means at the upper part or the lower part of the merchandise display shelf 1, it is possible to form a detection area (effective detection area 212) for detecting the object 3 downward or upward from the sensor unit 220. . Therefore, even if two or more consumers in front of the commodity display shelf 1 approach the commodity 2 at the same time, the consumer can detect a plurality of consumers at the same time without becoming a blind spot for detection of other consumers. Is possible.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to an article management system that manages articles such as merchandise and sample products in stores such as retail stores, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may be applied to an article management system for managing articles such as parts and members in a warehouse.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a vertical product display shelf in which shelves for displaying products are arranged up and down. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a flat table that divides and displays a plurality of products approximately horizontally. The present invention may be applied to a product display stand such as a car or a wagon.

  In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements over different embodiments may be combined.

The figure which shows the system configuration | structure in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the system in the embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the sensor part in the embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the sensor part and merchandise display shelf in the embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the sensor part and merchandise display shelf in the embodiment. The figure which shows the data structure of the position data table in the embodiment. The figure which shows the data structure of the effective area | region table in the embodiment. The figure which shows the data structure of the shelf allocation table in the embodiment. The figure which shows the data structure of the position specific table in the embodiment. The figure which shows the data structure of the articles | goods identification table in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the article | item management system in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the effective information extraction process in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the position specific process in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the articles | goods identification process in the embodiment. The figure which shows the system configuration | structure in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the system in the embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the sensor part in the embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the sensor part and merchandise display shelf in the embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the sensor part and merchandise display shelf in the embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the sensor part and merchandise display shelf in the embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the sensor part and merchandise display shelf in the embodiment. The figure which shows the data structure of the position data table in the embodiment. The figure which shows the data structure of the effective area | region table in the embodiment. The figure which shows the data structure of the shelf allocation table in the embodiment. The figure which shows the data structure of the position specific table in the embodiment. The figure which shows the data structure of the articles | goods identification table in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the article | item management system in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the effective information extraction process in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the position specific process in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the articles | goods identification process in the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Commodity display shelf 2 Commodity 3 Target object 4 Shelf front surface 5 Shelf peripheral part 6 Commodity taking-in / out area 7a-7c Detection area 8 Commodity display place 9 Pillar 10 Block 11 Reference line 12a-12c Effective detection area 20a-20c Sensor part 22 Light emission part 23 Light Receiving Unit 30 Projected Light 31 Reflected Light 36 Sensor Control Unit 40 System Management Unit 41 MPU
44 storage unit 80 article management system 100 position data table 110 effective area table 120 shelf allocation table 130 position identification table 140 article identification table 207 detection area 209 floor 212 effective detection area 220 sensor section 222 light emitting section 223 light receiving section 224 angle detection section 230 Projected light 231 Reflected light 233 Rotating body 236 Sensor control unit 300 Position data table 310 Effective area table 320 Shelf allocation table 330 Position specifying table 340 Article specifying table

Claims (9)

Article placement position storage means for associating and storing article identification information of a plurality of articles placed on the placement section and article position information indicating a position where the article is placed;
An object detection means for detecting an object placed on the placement unit or an object approaching a position on which the article is placed, and measuring and outputting object position information indicating the position of the object;
An article specifying means for determining the article position information including the object position information output by the object detecting means and specifying the article identification information stored in association with the determined article position information. Article management system. The object detection means includes a projection unit that emits light or sound waves,
A detection unit for detecting light or sound waves reflected by the object;
Object position calculation means for calculating object position information indicating the position of the object based on the difference between the time when the projection unit emits light or sound waves and the time when the detection unit detects reflected light or sound waves The article management system according to claim 1, further comprising: The object detection means includes a projection unit that emits projection light,
A detector for detecting reflected light reflected by the object;
Object position calculation means for calculating object position information indicating the position of the object based on a difference between a time when the projection unit emits projection light and a time when the detection unit detects reflected light reflected by the detection unit; The article management system according to claim 1, further comprising: Effective area storage means for storing area information indicating an effective area detected by the object detection means;
The effective information extracting means for judging whether the object position information output from the object detecting means is within the area information based on the area information stored in the effective area storing means. The article management system according to claim 1.   5. The article management system according to claim 1, wherein the object detection unit is installed on an opening side of the placement unit and forms a detection area on the opening side.   The article management system according to claim 1, wherein the object detection stage is installed for each of a plurality of shelves provided in the placement unit.   The article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the object detection stage is installed in an upper portion of the placement section and forms a detection region downward from the object detection means. Management system.   The article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the object detection stage is installed at a lower part of the placement unit, and forms a detection region upward from the object detection means. Management system. Article placement position storage means for associating and storing article identification information of a plurality of articles placed on the placement section and article position information indicating a position where the article is placed;
The object for acquiring object position information indicating the position of the object placed on the placement unit described above and measured by the object detection stage, or the position of the object approaching the position on which the article is placed, from the object detection means. Object position acquisition means;
An article specifying means for determining the article position information including the object position information acquired by the object position acquiring means, and specifying the article identification information stored in association with the determined article position information. A characteristic information processing apparatus.

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